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Conditions

Mid-back | Thoracic

The majority of back pain happens in the lumbar, or lower back, section of your spine. Acute low back pain that occurs suddenly is the most common type of lumbar pain. And it's also the quickest to resolve itself. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is insidious and rarely goes away without intervention. You may get short-term relief from rest or pain medicine, but the pain always returns. The only way to get long-term relief is through minimally invasive surgery. Call on a gifted neurosurgeon such as Dr. Branko Skovrlj at NU-Spine in New Jersey. Find out how you can benefit from the latest techniques offered by the best spine surgeon on the east coast.

Spine Treatment for Middle of the Back (Thoracic) Conditions in New Jersey

We understand how debilitating back pain can be. When the mid-back or thoracic spine is involved, the resulting pain can be severe. While the thoracic region is a relatively strong part of the spine, a disorder in this area can have far-reaching consequences for activity, focus, and mood. A disorder in the thoracic region also may cause the curvature of the back to be enhanced.

If you notice pain in the middle of your back or are experiencing less strength in that area, visit NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our founder and lead spine surgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD, provides spine treatment options to help reduce back pain and treat disorders of the spine in New Jersey, with locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.

What Is the Thoracic Part of the Spine?

Beginning right below the neck (or cervical spine), the thoracic region extends to the bottom of the rib cage. Below the rib cage, the lower back, or lumbar sacrum, extends to the hips and pelvis. Consisting of 12 vertebrae cushioned with shock-absorbing discs, the thoracic area is less flexible than the cervical or lumbar regions. This inflexibility is mostly because the thoracic spine adheres to the rib cage. The thoracic vertebrae are labeled T1 through T12.

The whole spine helps support the weight of the body and allows movement. It also protects the central nervous system. The thoracic spine is surrounded by many muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments that are used for mobility and flexibility. The mid-back is a crucial structure of the human body and contributes to the following:

  • Stabilizing the torso
  • Supporting the chest
  • Attaching each of the ribs
  • Protecting nerves that signal major organs, including the heart and lungs
  • Protecting more vulnerable areas of the spinal cord

What Can Go Wrong in the Thoracic Spinal Column?

As a stabilizing force in the body, the thoracic spine is a less flexible area than other spine regions. This inflexibility can lead to injury. Because the range of motion is more limited, muscle strain, trauma, and other damage to the area can affect the mid-back.

Spine conditions, such as the bone disease osteoporosis, also are factors to consider when diagnosing the causes of back pain. The bony structure of the vertebrae can break or fracture due to weakness. The spinal discs can wear down over time due to overuse, injuries, or aging. Circumstances and injuries can be responsible for thoracic spinal conditions that cause neck and back pain, including the following:

  • Scoliosis: Sideways curvature of the spine. This spine condition often occurs during adolescence but can occur in people of all ages. Treatment can help prevent scoliosis from causing problems and back pain over your lifespan. There are a variety of causes for scoliosis, which can occur congenitally, before birth, or because of the aging process. Some patients who receive radiation treatments for other conditions or are diagnosed with chronic diseases also may be affected.
  • Thoracic Spinal Deformity: Thoracic kyphosis may be referred to as a hunchback, although there are other types of thoracic deformity and spinal deformity. While hunchback or roundback refers to an outward curve of the spine, other thoracic spinal deformities may be related to malnutrition or poor posture. As we age, a condition called degenerative spondylolisthesis can also occur. Arthritis, trauma, osteoporosis, and infections can also contribute to this spine condition.
  • Spondylosis: Or pars defect can be related to fractures, wear and tear on the back, and arthritis. This spine condition also is referred to as spinal osteoarthritis. Problems in the spinal discs may cause friction where the vertebrae connect in the spine. Release of the shock-absorbing fluids and materials from the disc may be a factor. Degeneration of the bony structures of the vertebrae also can contribute to spondylosis. Pars defect usually refers to fractures in the lumbar or lower spine. However, injuries also can be associated with the area where the thoracic spine descends to the lumbar area.
  • Thoracic Disc Herniation: A term that refers to a compromised disk in the mid-back. Wear and tear, traumatic injuries, and changes to the shape of vertebrae are all possible causes. If the disc loses the cushioning material that prevents vertebrae from rubbing against each other, that can cause back pain. The material and fluid from the compromised disc also can cause pain, whether it leaks into the spinal canal or pushes on nerve roots.
  • Thoracic Radiculopathy: Describes a condition in which nerve roots are punched or damaged. Nerves reach from the spinal cord throughout the body, acting as messengers. These messengers of the body send electrical signals for bodily functions and movement. In the thoracic area of the spine, radiculopathy can affect internal organs, as well as the trunk, arms, and back. This condition also can result in back pain. Symptoms can include an inability to twist or bend toward the side without experiencing pain.
  • Thoracic Myelopathy: Refers to compression in the mid-back region of the spine. This condition often goes undetected but can cause poor posture and affect the breath. While this spine condition can progress slowly, its eventual symptoms often are painful, including leg weakness and coordination problems. Through careful testing, the staff at NU-Spine can help determine whether thoracic myelopathy is a factor in your back pain and prescribe appropriate treatments.
  • Continued Pain After Laminectomy: Post-laminectomy syndrome affects patients who have previously undergone a surgical procedure called a laminectomy, where compression of the spine is addressed. When patients experience persistent pain post-surgery, post-laminectomy syndrome may be the diagnosis. This pain can result from a new spine condition that develops, an infection that slows healing, or other nerve-related conditions. Dr. Branko Skovrlj and the medical team can diagnose the cause and help reduce back pain related to surgical or other complications through testing and diagnosis.
  • Unsuccessful Back Surgery: After back surgery, complications may arise. When these complications include pain, the back needs further specialized attention. These conditions are referred to as failed back syndrome. Whether nerves have been damaged or scar tissue has led to further pain, the medical team at NU-Spine can test, diagnose, and suggest treatments to reduce back pain.

What’s the Best Back Pain Treatment for Thoracic Spinal Disorders?

 

Healthy habits and preventive practices can significantly reduce problems in the thoracic spine and back pain. We encourage patients to:

  • Maintain good posture
  • Regulate body weight
  • Quit smoking
  • Supplement diets with calcium and vitamin D
  • Exercise daily

Serving patients throughout New Jersey with locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Skovrlj is one of just a few neurosurgeons in New Jersey specializing in complex spine procedures. Begin your journey to wellness and transform your life with a touch of care! Experience the cutting-edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step towards a pain-free future.

Illustration of spine with highlighted mid-back or thoracic area

Mid-back Thoracic

Conditions
  • Thoracic Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Thoracic Facet Syndrome
  • Thoracic Herniated Disc
  • Thoracic Radiculopathy
  • Spinal Deformities
  • Scoliosis
Treatments
  • Endoscopic Discectomy
  • Endoscopic Rhizotomy
  • Spinal Cord Stimulator
  • Spine Reconstruction
Start Your Path to Relief: Contact Us Today!
Spine Center Locations

1. Paramus
37 W Century Road Suite 105A
Paramus, NJ 07652

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3. Woodbridge
573 Amboy Ave.
Woodbridge Township,
NJ 07095

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5. Toms River
1901 Hooper Ave. #B
Toms River, NJ 08753

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2. Jersey City
631 Grand Street, Suite 2-100
Jersey City, NJ 07304

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4. Holmdel/Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd.
Suite 1116-B
Holmdel, NJ 07733

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6. Freehold
1000 West Main Street
Suite 201
Freehold, NJ 07728

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